Been fairly absent here lately so I figured I would bring some "action and drama".

I sold my blue "barn find" Manx. (was unemployed and needed the money) I also wanted to have side pods and rear deck which I could not do and match the original gel coat and metal flake. So I found a Manx with a 24E brilliant ice blue metal flake code and am going to bring it back to the original color and while I am at it do some pods and rear deck to match.

Here is what I started with. (one on the left)

It had 8 layers of paint on it, 1/2" of Bondo on the hood, cracked front and read fenders and a "Swiss cheese" dash.

I forgot to mention the speakers on each side of the dash.

and the 50 odd holes for the "snaps" for the soft top. (did not come with)

I started by stripping all hardware off it and sanding all the paint off to get to the original gel coat. This allowed me to see what damage and old repairs were under the paint and to get a clean surface for the high build primer. It also allows you to avoid any paint compatibility problems.

I also extended the lower edge of the front fenders a bit since they were lower on my earlier Manxes. This one was made in March 1970 and I think the molds were getting a bit "tired". It is a Manx 1 but has the Manx 2 dash and hood and has a "-2" at the end of the serial number.

Repaired the holes and damage to the hood and dash.

I also glassed in some cardboard tubes (cut in half) to strengthen the rear. the fiberglass is a bit thinner than my earlier Manxes and it will also provide a place to run wires to the engine.

Primed everything with Duratec high build primer. I actually wanted the light blue color since it will be the base color for the flake.

Roscoe
Thanks for the kind words. I hope to have more pictures in the next few days.

David
Thanks, are you bringing your awesome green buggy down to the MOTB?

Joe
Thanks! It is really trick photography, I have over 25 hours, and 100 sheets of 80 grit paper in sanding the 8 layers of paint off alone. The priming and guide coat sanding were a breeze compared to the paint removal.

Holt,
Thanks. It was great meeting you! (thanks for lunch) You meet the nicest people in this hobby.

Moon Buggy
Thanks and may the force be with you.

Huffypilot
Thanks, it has about 6 layers of clear over it.

Rick
I was thinking the exact same thing. (except maybe not a shopping mall, maybe looking for Black Beard's treasure)

Bryan
Thanks, definitely trick photography!

Nelson
Thanks, ever see another 24E in your research?

Dave
Thanks, I am thinking about doing the fan shroud in the flake.

Marc
Thanks and congrats on selling the gold one. One step closer to the Resorter. Post some pics if you can.

David
Thanks, are you bringing your awesome green buggy down to the MOTB?

Yes Vince....Joe, Kieth and I have rented a house and will be there all week with the families again this year. Can't wait to get down for MOTB 2013! _________________Member of Wagenfolks
1963 Lithia Mark III Dune Buggy
1957 Oval
38P Moss Green Manx II

Good thing Vince doesn't live where I do. He would never get to spray anything. It has rained here twice. Once for 31 days, and then again for 25 days._________________Everyone is gifted. Some just do not open the package.

Looks like it was painted with a live chicken,polished with a brick and buffed with a pine cone